Q: When should you talk to your child about suicide? Is there a certain age?

A: No, there’s not really a certain age that parents should focus on. It’s more about your own child’s development, maturity, and exposure to information about suicide or portrayals on television. And more than just focusing on suicide, parents should strive for open, non-judgmental communication about any issues their child might be searching for answers about from the very beginning. It’s more important to be prepared to answer questions whenever they come up.

Q: If your child says he or she has thought about suicide, how should you react?

A: Many people have brief thoughts that life is not worth living or they wish they could go to sleep and not wake. It becomes worrisome if the thoughts are persistent or plans are made. React with love and make sure to always follow up with your child if he or she has brought up suicide.

Q: Why do you think suicide rates are increasing?

A: Now that kids are more connected on social media, little things become bigger because they never go away. Adolescents also talk less, text more and use more ephemeral apps like Snapchat to communicate. It is much easier to send a mean text/post than speak it face to face.

Q: Should I worry about any medicine my child is taking and the negative side-effects they cause?

A: Suicide warnings have been associated with antidepressant use. Pediatricians decreased prescribing them and the suicide rates went up. It’s important for people close to suicide to seek help and receive treatment. Just make sure to discuss any potential negative side effects with your child’s doctor and come back in if your child experiences depression or thoughts of suicide after starting a new medication.

Q: If someone in my child’s class attempted suicide, is my child more at risk?

Environmental Factors: Stressful life events which may include a death, divorce or job loss, prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems and unemployment, access to lethal means including firearms and drugs, exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical Factors: Previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide attempts

Below are possible warning signs if you are concerned:

Talk: If a person talks about: being a burden to others, feeling trapped, experiencing unbearable pain, having no reason to live, killing themselves

Behavior: Specific things to look out for include: increased use of alcohol or drugs, looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means, acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, aggression

Mood: People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation, anxiety